Hi everyone.

I am a 30M, Caucasian, fairly good physical health (180 lbs/5'11), diagnosed with Bipolar 2 in May 2024 (after long journey of thinking it was primarily depression). Co-morbid GAD and PTSD (in remission) diagnosis after witnessing co-worker get stabbed and bleed out in front of me.

I understand this is not a replacement for an actual psychiatrist, but I do need additional resources/suggestions that I can bring to my family doctor in terms of medications.

Been ongoing trying to find proper medications. Prior to diagnosis was on trials of escitalopram (20mg), venlafaxine (112.5mg), vilazodone (20mg), fluoextine (40mg), and trintillex (20mg). Helped with depressive symptoms - but would have what we later learned were hypomanic episodes while on it. Have also trialed prazosin (20mg), quetiapine (25mg), and trazodone (75mg) none which had severe adverse side effects.

Since getting my diagnosis of Bipolar 2 I have had trials of:

- Lamotrigine 125 mg: Helped with bipolar depression, did not prevent hypomania (had a really bad hypomanic episode during the summer when on it).

- Lithium 1200 mg: Helped with both bipolar depression and hypomania. However gained A LOT OF WEIGHT, had no sex drive, and then begun to suffer from visual hallucinations on it.

- Apriprazole 5 mg: This trial was very short as my body could not tolerate 10 mg (relentless shakes, no sleep, always agitated). As well had a hypomanic episode the minute I switched from Lithium to Apriprazole.

I am now trialing lurasidone 10 mg. However I am getting worried I am running out of medication options. We have used all the recommendations from the psychiatrists now - and I only have my family doctor running my case. He is incredibly kind, and sweet - however I would love if I could get some research/answers to bring forward to him so he is not over burdened himself.

Thank you for any replies.